Life for students with a vision impairment will get a little bit easier with four scholarships up for offer through St George charity See Through My Eyes.
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The organisation was set up by Carlton resident Chrissy Antonopoulos who was diagnosed with Stargardt Disease at 23.
The condition is an inherited retinal disease similar to macular degeneration and has left her legally blind.
Ms Antonopoulos said she was thrilled with the relay raising more than $20,000.
‘’The relay was amazing,’’ she said.
‘’We had people with vision impairments attend from interstate and from around Sydney. It was really good to be able to connect everyone together.’’
The money raised will go towards up to four scholarships for university students with vision impairment.
Each scholarship is worth $2,000 and is for one year.
Ms Antonopoulos said establishing the scholarships had always been on the top of her list.
‘’Having studied at uni before I lost my sight and after my diagnosis, I found so many challenges in accessing support as a person with a vision impairment,’’ she said.
‘’I found not one scholarship specific to people with a vision impairment to cover the costs of study, which is huge especially when you have to return to uni to retrain.’’
She hopes the scholarships will encourage people who wouldn't have otherwise thought they could study to give it a go.
‘’I'm a firm believer that having a vision impairment, or any other disability, shouldn't be a barrier to accessing education and that we are highly capable people,’’ she said.
‘’I want others to aim high because they will be able to achieve their goals.’’
For more information on the scholarships or to apply follow this link.
